Abu kalal: The head of the Media and Communications Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, has announced a comprehensive plan to regulate the telecommunications sector with 69 specific regulations aimed at ensuring the stability of services and safeguarding Iraq’s digital sovereignty. The commission is also set to incorporate artificial intelligence technologies to enhance regulatory frameworks.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during his participation in the 8th Baghdad Dialogue Conference held in central Baghdad, Abu Kalal emphasized the critical role of regulatory frameworks as the foundation of the telecommunications sector’s infrastructure. He stated that these regulations are designed with regional standards in mind and aim to ensure the sector’s continuity and stability through clear and flexible guidelines.

Abu Kalal highlighted the importance of the commission’s independence, noting that neither Al-Sudani nor Al-Zidi interfered in its duties, and the current Prime Minister has not made any personal requests, underscoring that the commission’s work is governed strictly by its regulations. He affirmed the commission’s commitment to resolving sector-related disputes and maintaining regulation in accordance with established rules.

Discussing telecommunications companies in the Kurdistan Region, Abu Kalal disclosed that significant fines have been levied on unlicensed companies, with these penalties remaining until potentially waived by a legislative act from the Council of Ministers. He reiterated the commission’s goal of achieving digital sovereignty exclusively for the Iraqi state, warning companies in the region of the consequences, as evidenced by the case of Korek Telecom.

Abu Kalal also addressed the presence of illegal Starlink devices in Iraq, revealing that 40,000 such devices existed prior to an agreement with the company. He noted that Starlink’s services, now available in 160 countries, will adhere to a newly developed security annex, making it the first international company to be subject to Iraqi law. He projected that Starlink’s involvement will significantly enhance the telecommunications sector.

On the topic of digital space management, Abu Kalal stressed the commission’s role in protecting society from misinformation, advocating for a clear distinction between freedom of expression and misinformation. He underscored the necessity of delineating network regulation and cybersecurity from website oversight to ensure both sector regulation and digital space protection while upholding freedom of expression.